Forensic Science Degree Programs

Find a Forensic Science School

The aim of this page is to help anybody looking for information relating to forensic science degree programs, forensic science schools or forensic science study options.

Albany State University

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science:

Albany State University’s Forensic Science degree program is fully accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Science’s (AAFS) Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). The program is operated in close association with the Albany Police Department and Doctor’s Lab Valdosta.

The Department is located in the Catherine M. Hartnett Building, on the University's lower campus. The building is a state-of-the-art facility with an auditorium that seats 150 people, a computer lab, satellite capability for distance learning, mock courtroom, forensic laboratories, modern classrooms and offices.

Arcadia University

Master of Science in Forensic Science:

The Master of Science in Forensic Science degree is offered by Arcadia University in partnership with the Fredric Rieders Family Renaissance Foundation (FRFRF) and in collaboration with National Medical Services (NMS), one of the nation’s premier forensic science laboratories. This alliance provides a source of adjunct instructors, a forensic library, invaluable links to the forensic science community, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, as well as laboratory facilities.

University of Baltimore

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Studies:

This forensic science degree program incorporates physical science, criminal investigation and the law to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evidentiary process. This academic approach familiarizes students with the major components of the criminal justice process, from the investigation and collection of crime scene evidence to its scientific evaluation and subsequent presentation in court.

The program offers broad preparation in substantive areas of the field with the opportunity for an in-depth exploration of forensic science or police science. Developed in partnership with the Baltimore Police Department, the curriculum includes theoretical and applied coursework. This partnership provides experiential learning opportunities with law enforcement and scientific personnel to produce graduates with the skills and experience needed to assume positions as forensic science specialists and criminal investigators.

Bay Path College (Longmeadow, MA):

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science:

The forensic science degree program at Bay Path is interdisciplinary, linking together courses in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, criminal justice, psychology and legal studies. The faculty is comprised of highly credentialed, experienced teachers and active researchers in their respective field. Lectures and laboratories are taught in small classroom settings in rooms fully equipped with networked computers and compter-interfaced equipment. This approach to teaching ensures that you will receive individual attention and gain facility in the use of the state-of-the-art equipment and data-acquistion and analysis tools so vital for success in today's technological scientific arena.

The forensic science degree major prepares you for a variety of career options, including graduate school, and medical or dental school. Forensic scientists work in crime laboratories, forensic laboratories, police departments, medical examiner/coroner offices, hospitals, government agencies, and private laboratories.

Boston University School of Medicine:

Masters in Biomedical Forensic Science:

This unique program is one of the only forensic science degree programs in the country that is based at a major medical center, a setting that will provide students and faculty access to extensive resources and facilities. Boston University Medical Center is home to a Clinical Research Center, Center of Human Genetics, the Mallory Institute of Pathology, the Maxwell Finland Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, and the Sloan Epidemiology Unit. The campus contains state of the art lecture halls, seminar rooms, sophisticated computerized teaching lab and Boston’s largest biomedical research park. In addition, the campus is in close proximity to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for Massachusetts and the Boston Police Crime Laboratory.

As biomedical specialties continue to provide vital techniques and practices to forensic investigation, the need for broadly trained forensic professionals has become an urgent need nationally. Individuals trained in the basics of forensic science and a strong biomedical background will provide a crucial level of expertise to forensic investigations. This program is designed to provide a broad-based learning experience in multiple areas of forensic and biomedical sciences that will prepare the students for employment in many areas including law enforcement, medical examiners offices, law firms, military, hospital and pharmaceutical laboratories and academics.

Chaminade University of Hinolulu:

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science:

The objective of this forensic science degree program is to provide students with knowledge and skills for application of scientific principles and technological skills to further the purpose of justice in the study and resolution of criminal, civil and regulatory issues.

A BS degree in Forensic Sciences prepares the student for a career in a crime laboratory, crime scene investigation, and provides an excellent basis for further studies in forensic sciences at the graduate level. This degree also provides an excellent basis for students seeking to enter professional schools of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine.

Columbia College (Columbia, MO):

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science:

The major in Forensic Science is designed to provide training for students seeking to work in forensic science laboratories or who are planning to pursue careers in the field of forensic science. The major draws from the biological sciences, physics and chemistry as well as from the fields of criminal justice and the law.

The degree is generated from a cross-disciplinary perspective, blending faculty expertise from both the criminal justice and science program areas. A principal focus of the program is to prepare students for entry-level positions and for advancement in various occupations and professions in the criminal justice and science areas. The faculty encourages wide and varied preparation in both the liberal arts and sciences to provide students with an appreciation of the scientific and social environment of crime and criminal justice.

Forensic Science Institute (University of Central Oklahoma):

The Forensic Science Institute is devoted to academic excellence, through a unique multidisciplinary program, that provides outstanding educational, research, and professional training opportunities for practicing professionals and both undergraduate and graduate students.

The Forensic Science Institute is a comprehensive training and research organization in all aspects of evidence collection, preservation, analysis, reporting and testimony. The Institute will promote leadership, character, and public service throughout all training events.

The International Forensic Research Institute (Florida International University):

Certificate in Forensic Science:

Administered by the International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI), the Certificate in Forensic Science is designed to provide a focus for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in the forensic sciences. The program is suitable for students majoring in chemistry, biology or another natural science who wish to enter the field of forensic science. The program also allows access to persons in the community who are currently working in this area to develop or upgrade their skills.

The Master of Science in Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in forensic science laboratories. The program may also be suitable preparation for doctoral instruction in several disciplines. This is primarily a research degree, emphasizing critical thinking through research, presentation, and publication on each student's original problem.

University of Florida

Certificate in Environmental Forensics:

The Certificate in Environmental Forensics is provided by the College of Pharmacy by offering courses in collaboration with The University of Canberra. The certificate is designed to give the environment law enforcement officer a background in the principles of contaminant analysis and transport in the environment with the ultimate aim of determining liability for pollution.

The certificate is aimed at professionals working in the environmental regulatory authorities and laboratories at the federal, state or local level.

George Mason University

M.S. Forensic Sciences:

The Forensic Science Master’s Program at George Mason University is designed to give students a broad theoretical and practical background in the scientific, legal, and investigation principles of forensic science. This Master’s program will prepare students with advanced training for forensics career in state and local government, private industry and academia.

Graduates will be qualified to conduct laboratory analysis of forensic data in a secure environment while maintain the integrity of the evidence to ensure applicability in a court of law. These courses offer a broad exposure to forensic laboratory tests, as well as exposure to criminal procedures and expert testimony, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, trace analysis, physical evidence, professional ethics, quality assurance, and current topics in research and development within the forensic sciences.

The George Washington University:

The Department of Forensic Sciences at the George Washington University offers the Master of Forensic Sciences degree with concentrations in:

Crime Scene Investigation

Forensic Chemistry

Forensic Molecular Biology

Forensic Toxicology

High Technology Crime Investigation (Computer Forensics)

Security Management

This department has been granting degrees in forensic science for over thirty-five years. The six full-time faculty are all nationally recognized experts in their fields; the part-time faculty includes experts from both Federal, state and local agencies. The location of the degree program within the District of Columbia offers unique opportunities for internships and research at Federal, state and local forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies.

Griffin Technical College (Griffin, GA):

Associate Degree in Forensic Science Technology:

The forensic science technology program prepares students for various careers in the rapidly growing field of forensic science. Students will gain knowledge and skills in this program that will prepare them for entrance, retention or advancement into careers such as crime scene investigation, death investigation, laboratory technology, evidence technology, forensic computer science, and general forensic science or criminal justice fields.

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI):

Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Sciences:

The B.S. in Forensic and Investigative Sciences, which awards a Purdue degree, was developed by faculty from the School of Law, the School of Science, and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA). Each School contributes to the FIS program by offering required and elective classes, and by mentoring students in the program. All students take a core of science classes and university requirements. Then, each student chooses one of the current two concentrations: Biology or Chemistry.

The program also includes courses in imaging and photography, law and forensic science (taught by law faculty), laboratory courses in forensic chemistry and forensic biology, as well as an opportunity to do an internship at a crime laboratory. Graduates of the program will be able to seek employment in crime labs, scientific industries, environmental agencies, and federal or local law enforcement.

The M.S. Program in Forensic Science, which awards a Purdue University degree, requires 35 credit hours of study beyond the baccalaureate level. It is designed for students seeking careers as professional forensic scientists who desire employment in the criminal justice field or a related area.

Students must apply in one of the following concentrations; forensic chemistry or biology. All students take a core of required courses which include a professional issues course, law courses and a clinical law course. Each concentration contains specific required courses taken by students in that concentration.

Marshall University (Huntington, WV):

Master of Science Degree Program in Forensic Science:

The Forensic Science Program is designed to provide a broad-based, multi-disciplinary learning experience to include emphases in DNA analysis, forensic chemistry and computer forensics. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. Core requirements of the program include:

MassBay Community College, MA:

Associate Degree Program in Forensic DNA Science :

The associate degree program in Forensic DNA Science is the first and only undergraduate degree program in this field in the world. The training of the program is unique for several reasons. First, students are trained by their participation in actual criminal and anthropological cases involving DNA evidence collection and analysis. Second, forensic training is entirely hands-on and confers on students extensive skills in DNA analysis. Third, students learn to perform mitochondrial DNA analysis, a high-demand forensic methodology used to determine the identity of unidentified human remains. Further, students intern with the world’s most renowned forensic institutions, including the FBI, Armed Forces DNA Identification Labs, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Upon completion, the Associate in Science Degree in Biotechnology with a concentration in Forensic DNA Science is awarded.

Mount Ida College, Newton, Mass:

Applied Forensic Science (B.S.)

The Bachelor of Science program in Applied Forensic Science allows students to obtain a science-oriented degree that is supported by professional courses in forensic science and criminal justice within the context of a liberal arts education.

The field of Forensic Science is recognized as a respected discipline among scientists and others in the criminal justice professions and encompasses a wide variety of disciplines including criminalistics, toxicology, pathology, odontology, engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, and criminal justice. Mount Ida College’s Applied Forensic Science Program emphasizes a chemistry-applied scientific approach to forensic crime scene analysis.

University of New Haven (West Haven, CT):

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science:

The objective of the program is to provide an appropriate education and scientific background to men and women planning careers as physical evidence examiners in crime laboratories. The curriculum is also appropriate for individuals currently working in forensic science laboratories and would be valuable for those interested in related areas whose professional work requires in-depth knowledge of science and scientific investigation methods.